Rising tide traps father and son

A man and his eight-year-old son were winched to safety after rising tides trapped the pair on rocks at Whakatane heads this afternoon.

The TrustPower TECT rescue helicopter was called to the area about 3.15pm after the pair became trapped while fishing.

A large swell prevented life boats from reaching the father and son, pilot Todd Dunham said.

An 18-year-old lifeguard showed extreme courage when she swam from a rescue boat to assist the pair and comfort them until the helicopter arrived, Mr Dunham said.

After the helicopter arrived at the scene the man and boy were winched to safety and flown to shore where they were checked for hypothermia.